Mission Statement

Educating students by creating an active, experiential learning environment that prepares them to apply knowledge of information systems, operations, business analytics and business for the betterment of organizations and society; and

Serving the academic community and business communities through appropriate research and service.

Objectives

Computer information systems (CIS) is offered as a major through the Department of Computer Information Systems and Business Analytics. This program prepares business students for careers as information systems professionals. The program of study focuses on the development and management of information systems in a business environment. Students develop the technical skills and organizational insights required to analyze, design, implement and administer information systems. The CIS curriculum includes hands-on projects, laboratory exercises, case analysis and business simulations to build strong technical and analytical skills, effective oral and written communication skills, and the ability to work independently and in team-oriented environments. Students are offered the opportunity to gain practical experience through internships and co-op programs. The department faculty endorses the program educational objectives listed below.

The CIS B.B.A. program will produce graduates with the ability to:

Analyze a problem and identify the computing requirements appropriate to its solution.

Apply sound analysis and design methodologies toward creating technological solutions for the enhancement and improvement of business processes.

Implement system solutions using state-of-the-art software development, database, telecommunications and security technologies in a global business environment.

Communicate effectively, in both oral and written form, in order to serve as liaisons between business-oriented end users and technically-oriented computing specialists.

Work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams with the ability to manage themselves and their colleagues.

Develop self-directed, lifelong engagement in the profession and professional development.

Career Opportunities

Computer information systems professionals analyze business opportunities and problems, then design and build solutions using the power of information technologies. Students in the CIS program gain the business and technical skills that will prepare them to move quickly from technical to leadership roles within the organization.

Consultant

Business Analyst

Business Intelligence Specialist

Computer Forensics Specialist

IT/IS Auditor

IT/IS Consultant

Risk Analyst

Security Consultant

Systems Analyst

Telecommunications Analyst

IT/IS Manager

Application Development Manager

Business Owner (IT/IS Industry)

Chief Information Officer

Chief Security Officer

Data Warehousing Manager

Information Systems Manager

Program Manager

Project Manager

IT Operations Professional

Database Administrator

Information Technology Trainer

Network and Systems Administrator

Security Specialist

Software Engineer

Web Developer

Co-curricular Activities and Organizations

The JMU Chapter of the National Association for Information Systems (AIS) was started in 2014 and serves to advance knowledge and to promote excellence in the practice and study of information systems. Along with providing premier networking opportunities with top consulting firms, AIS provides student members the ability to engage in national student competitions, in-house tutoring activities, professional development workshops, and various fundraising and social events.

Accreditation

Degree and Major Requirements

Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems

The B.B.A. in computer information systems requires a minimum of 120 credit hours of undergraduate work. Sixty credit hours will be taken outside the College of Business. In counting the 60 credit hours of non-business courses, B.B.A. students may include all hours taken in General Education (usually 41), up to a total of nine hours in economics and three hours of COB 191. Business and Economic Statistics. The remaining hours will be taken from any department outside the College of Business. Students should carefully select these non-business electives to help them gain additional knowledge and expertise for their careers and personal lives.

Concentrations

Concentration in Cooperative Education

The cooperative education concentration in CIS and BSAN offers highly qualified undergraduate majors the opportunity to participate in a six- to eight-month professional experience with well-recognized industry leaders in information technology and operations. Students will be awarded 12 hours of academic credit that will substitute for two required courses in the CIS and BSAN curriculum and for six credits of special topics (CIS 498). Substitution for the two specific courses will be made based on the structure and context of the co-op experience and in cooperation with the co-op firm.

Students must demonstrate competency via examination in the two required courses selected in order to receive credit in those courses. Students who have at least a 3.0 GPA, are majors in CIS and have fulfilled all of their COB core requirements (except COB 487. Strategic Management) are eligible to apply on a competitive basis through the CIS and BSAN office.

Students who want to participate in a co-op program must apply both to the CIS and BSAN program office and the participating firm at least three months in advance of the start of the co-op. Co-ops typically begin in January or May and last six to eight months. Course substitutions must be approved in conjunction with the co-op coordinator in the CIS and BSAN office and the co-op coordinator in the firm.

A program of study must be placed on file for each student who is accepted for a co-op prior to beginning the co-op experience. Students may participate in a co-op during their junior or senior years, but they are limited to one co-op. Students who want to participate in a co-op as postgraduates may do so as special students. These students will receive a certificate on successful completion of the co-op experience. Prerequisite: CIS majors with junior standing and a minimum 3.0 grade point average.

Admission is based on weighted average of student's highest grades in one course from each of the seven competency areas and is subject to space availability of CIS courses. Students seeking to add the CIS minor may submit an application to the CIS & BSAN department at any time.

Business Analytics Minor

Business analytics is a technical approach to analyzing problems and making business-related decisions. It uses statistical methods, management science techniques, and mathematical modeling to forecast the implications of various choices and identify the best alternatives. Business analytics focuses on the effective use of data and information to provide fact-based insights and drive positive business actions. The minor in business analytics prepares students to solve complex decision problems in a business environment with a combination of quantitative skills and hands-on expertise using current software applications.

Admission to the BSAN program is limited and competitive. Students seeking to add the BSAN minor must submit an application by November 1. Students will be admitted as a cohort each fall to start the BSAN program in the spring.

To be eligible to apply for admission, students must have completed the following:

Students may use transfer and/or college credits that have been accepted by JMU to meet competency requirements. Admission is based on an average of a student’s highest grades in one course from each competency area and the letter of recommendation. Only grades earned at JMU and verified by the registrar will be used; transfer transcripts will also be reviewed. More emphasis will be placed on grades than on the recommendation letter. Following review by the BSAN Admission Committee, students will be notified about their acceptance into the minor. If accepted, students will be eligible to register for BSAN courses.

2 COB 191 and MATH 205 or equivalent are prerequisites for COB 291. A grade of "B-" or higher in COB 291 or equivalent and junior or senior standing are prerequisites for taking the subsequent required courses (BSAN 391, BSAN 392, and CIS/BSAN 393) in the business analytics minor.

Recommended Schedule for Majors

Computer information systems majors should follow the course schedule described here to complete the final two years of their program. It is possible to deviate from this program, but care must be taken to ensure that all course prerequisites are met.

First Two Years

Students normally take the lower-division B.B.A. core curriculum along with many of the General Education curriculum. All lower-division core requirements must be completed before enrolling in the upper-division core courses. It is recommended that CIS 221. Principles of Programming be completed in the second semester of the second year.